20/05/2026
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20/05/2026
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TEHRAN, May 20: An Iranian political prisoner sentenced to death on charges of espionage and collaboration with Israel is facing imminent execution after being transferred to solitary confinement, according to the Norway-based rights organisation Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.
The group said Gholamreza Khani Shakarab, 34, was moved from a high-security ward in Evin Prison to solitary confinement at Ghezel Hesar Prison, a step often associated with impending executions in Iran.
Khani Shakarab, a former mixed martial arts champion, coach and international referee, was reportedly sentenced to death by Judge Abolqasem Salavati of Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court in what Hengaw described as a non-transparent judicial process.
According to the rights group, the sentence was later upheld by Branch 39 of Iran’s Supreme Court despite a request for judicial review filed by his family.
Hengaw said a source familiar with the case alleged that Khani Shakarab was denied access to a lawyer of his choice during both interrogation and trial proceedings, and claimed the conviction was based on confessions obtained under pressure.
The organisation added that Khani Shakarab had been living in Turkey before being detained by Iranian security forces during a religious pilgrimage trip to Iraq last year. He was later transferred to Iran.
His brother, Esmail Khani, was also arrested in connection with the same case and is currently serving a prison sentence in Ardabil Central Prison, according to Hengaw.
